Available now on Digital and coming to Blu-ray and DVD February 27, is the feel-good Cinderella sports dramedy, Next Goal Wins. Get a deeper look at American Samoa, Polynesian culture, and more when you bring the film and its great bonus features home.
Next Goal Wins
Based on a true story and the 2014 documentary of the same name, Next Goal Wins tells the story of the American Samoa football team, who was officially declared the worst team of the world after a gut-wrenching 31-0 loss against Australia in 2001. President of the Football Federation of American Samoa, Tavita (Oscar Kightley) seeks out a new coach for the team in an attempt for them to score at least one goal. Over in America, Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), an infamous player and coach, known for his outbursts is on the outs with his football blue thanks to recent losses. Rongen needs a team, American Samoa needs a coach. Reluctantly he agrees to travel to the island to coach this team of hopefuls. But turning this team into winners, or at least helping them score a goal, seems impossible. Rongen begins to realize he needs this team and these teammates more than they need him as he learns what they mean when they say they want to “be happy.”
Next Goal Wins is a feel-good, sports dramedy that not only delivers the Cinderella story vibes but also dives into the culture and people of American Samoa. Their never give up, find joy attitude is infectious, especially as they continue to play regardless of their status on the pitch. If only we could all learn to be so unperturbed by what others say about us and what makes us happy. The cast is truly great with some chemistry that is off the charts. If the real people are anything like this ensemble, it's no wonder Rongen's icy cold heart melted. They are sincere and just plain likable. Fassbender is in his lane as the gruff coach but it is Kaimana who plays Jaiyah Saelua, the first openly trans woman to participate in a World Cup qualifying game, who is just plain incredible. Bonus features usually contain gag reels and such but I enjoyed that this one took me on a journey to learn more about the culture, the people, and the sport.
Next Goal Wins Bonus Features
- Featurette
- Creating The Pitch of Life – Explore filmmaker Taika Waititi’s loving homage to American Samoa, Polynesian culture, and the sports movie in this delightfully entertaining short-form documentary. See what it took to make a winning movie about the losingest soccer team in the world.
- Deleted Scene
- Priest Blessing the Team
*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer.
Next Goal Wins is available now on Amazon, Apple, and wherever digital movies are sold.
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